Solute Geochemistry of the Snake River Plain Regional Aquifer System, Idaho and Eastern Oregon

摘要

Four geochemical approaches were used to determine chemical reactions controlling solute concentrations in the Snake River Plain regional aquifer system: (1) calculation of a solute balance within the aquifer; (2) identification of weathered products in the aquifer framework; (3) comparison of thermodynamic mineral saturation indices with plausible solute reactions; and (4) comparison of stable-isotope ratios of the solutes with those in the aquifer framework. Solutes in the geothermal groundwater system underlying the main aquifer were examined by calculating thermodynamic mineral saturation indices, stable-isotope rations, geothermometry, and radiocarbon dating.